Wanda Dench, the 62-year-old grandma and her husband Lonnie from Arizona who became famous after they accidentally invited a total stranger to Thanksgiving dinner, have both contracted the CCP virus.
Jamal Hinton shared the sad news. He was their unlikely guest at that illustrious Thanksgiving dinner in 2016, an event that set the trend as the two families have now joined for dinner each year since the Daily Dot reported.
In a post on Twitter on Thursday, where Hinton said both contracted the virus and Lonnie was being hospitalized currently fighting the CCP (Chinese communist party) virus, formerly known as the novel coronavirus, and pneumonia.
“I am so sad to announce that Wanda and Lonnie both have COVID-19 and that Lonnie is currently in the hospital fighting both COVID and Pneumonia, please send words of love and encouragement their way,” he wrote.
I am so sad to announce that Wanda and Lonnie both have COVID-19 and that Lonnie is currently in the hospital fighting both COVID and Pneumonia please send words of love and encouragement their way ???????????? pic.twitter.com/tUNpUB20qg
— Jamal Hinton (@kingjamal08) April 2, 2020
In a 2019 interview with Time magazine, Hinton explained his appreciation of the elder couple, saying: “We just sit at the table for a couple of hours and talk the whole time and tell stories and see how we’ve been,” Hinton said. “Time kind of just flies, we don’t even realize how long we’ve been there. They’re really good company.”
Jamal promised to keep his followers updated over the weekend saying on Twitter:
“So many people are asking for more info and updates, and I plan on giving one tomorrow or so. Thank you, everyone, who is sending love and keeping Lonnie in their prayers. This is a super tough time, but I know we’ll get through it. Love you all, and please stay safe.”
So many people are asking for more info and updates and I plan on giving one tomorrow or so. Thank you everyone who is sending love and keeping Lonnie in their prayers. This is a super tough time but I know we’ll get through it. Love you all and please stay safe???????????? https://t.co/tNvals0FMh
— Jamal Hinton (@kingjamal08) April 3, 2020
The announcement spurred a lot of disbelief on Twitter.
“If you know the backstory of how their beautiful friendship came to be, you’d understand why so many of us are shook by this news. Sending lots of love & light to both families,” user @RissaRoyal wrote.
